Lt. Col. Ross Buzzuro, a respected commander who began his career in Baltimore as a police cadet in 1985, will start the new job on July 2.

"I am honored to serve the residents and visitors of Ocean City as Chief of Police," said Buzzuro. "As Chief, I understand a key component of public safety is partnering with the community and understanding the dynamic of Ocean City’s unique environment."

Buzzuro replaces Bernadette DiPino, who retired as police chief earlier this year. He will oversee about 100 full-time officers, plus more during the busy summer season when Ocean City's police force nearly doubles.

Town officials said they chose Buzzuro, 46, for his "knowledge, experience and leadership." The Baltimore commander has led a variety of city police operations, including the Northern District and special oeprations, which included the SWAT team. He recently was the training director for the police academy, holding the position as the department searched for a long-term replacement.

When he was appointed to lead the academy earlier this year, City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, who represents parts of the Northern District, said that Buzzuro was among the department's best leaders.

"[He is] one of the finest district commanders I ever worked with in all my 24 years," she told The Sun in February. "Everything he does, he does methodically, professionally and with extreme seriousness."

In 2011, Buzzuro was among the marathoners who stopped to give aid to a man suffering from a heart attack near the finish line of the Baltimore half-marathon.